Jena Zhou
“I feel so lost. It’s like everyone is moving forward and they all know what they want to do. But I’m stuck somewhere and don’t know what to do about my life.”
“I wake up every day with a lot of pressure from everyone around me, parents, peers, colleagues, friends, etc. I feel like I need to meet all their expectations, but I can't.”
“My life was shattered and I really didn't know where I was supposed to turn."
Have you ever felt this way before? If yes, then you may be going through a quarter-life crisis.
A quarter-life crisis refers to the anxiety, confusion, insecurity, and fear experienced by individuals during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 30, during which individuals must confront changes in identity, environment, and various life challenges they have never encountered before.
Graduating from school, leaving behind loved ones, relocating to a new place, or starting a new job can all trigger feelings of anxiety and frustration as we are losing our support system. These transitions can bring about significant changes in our life roles, identities, environments, and social circles, all of which can compound our discomfort during this period of adjustment.
As we get older, it’s not uncommon for loved ones to stop supporting us financially in ways they did while we were younger. As we get older, it becomes increasingly important to manage finances on your own to pay rent, mortgages, and living expenses, while simultaneously saving money for things like getting married or having children of our own.
During our time at school, we have usually been told what to do and what not to do. We can get nothing more than two results, pass the exam, and fail the exam. But social rules are completely different from school rules. These cannot be learned in school, and often violate some morality. Young adults who have just stepped into society need to explore and adapt to these new rules by themselves.
You are feeling behind because other peers are getting married, buying houses, travelling around the world, starting new careers, etc. You feel too much pressure from others as you lose direction about your career, relationships, or the true life you want.
A quarter-life crisis can be a challenging and confusing time for young adults, but it's important to remember that it's a common experience. Understanding the root cause of your stress, practicing self-care, making a plan, and seeking support are all valuable steps you can take to navigate this transitional period with confidence. Remember, it's okay to take your time and explore different options as you figure out the life you want to lead. You've got this!
No spam. Just tips and tricks to have a better week every Monday.
No spam. Just tips and tricks to have a better week every Monday.